Working Remotely as a Freelancer

[et_pb_section][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text]When you decide to work as a freelancer, you will often be faced with working remotely. Here are some top tips to ensure that you remain productive and professional even when you work offsite.

Tip 1

Always ensure that you establish a good relationship with your client from day one. The best way to achieve this would be to keep open lines of communication. If possible, you should have an introductory meeting either face to face, if possible, or via telephone or skype. This will allow you to set the tone and nature of the business relationship and establish your and your client’s expectations to avoid misunderstandings.

Tip 2

Ensure that you have access to all the information and key staff members at your customers premises. This will in the long-term benefit both you and your client as you will be working on the same page.

Tip 3

As a Freelancer, you have been hired to do a specific job based on your key skills and expertise. Do not get side tracked completing other tasks that have not been agreed on by you or your client. By working remotely, you should stick to the brief and deliver what was agreed on in a timely and professional manner sticking to any deadlines agreed upon.

Tip 4

Remember that you are an integral part of your client’s team even though you work remotely. You should make sure that you have access to the necessary tools and systems, if applicable, to complete your job efficiently and without any problems. The use of cloud drive has made freelancing sharing and storing work completed by freelancers much easier.

Tip 5

Communications is the key factor for any freelancer. This is especially important as you may never meet your client face to face and verbal as well as written communication is the main source of the business communications. You should always be concise and to the point when communicating via email, skype or phone. Any problems that may arise should be dealt with immediately so that you are not delayed in any way which may jepordise payment from your client.

Tip 6

It is advisable to keep a clear and thorough summary of all your communication and agreements with your client from the outset of the project. You may need to refer to some document or agreement so ensure that you are thorough with your documentation of all communication, problems, queries and changes agreed upon. This will ensure that your client cannot delay payment due to a disagreement.

Tip 7

As a freelancer, you must be guaranteed payment when the job is completed and delivered. It is advisable that you have agreed key issues with your client in writing. The main issues involve payment per hour or otherwise, project descriptions and timescales. There should be clear communication about these issues from the start of the business relationship.

Tip8

It is best to work with automated or shared systems if possible with your client and their team members who are onsite. This will assist you greatly and you will be able to complete the job quickly and efficiently. This in turn will highlight your professionalism and could guarantee more work. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]